Eat Well, Sleep Well

A recent study shows that eating well can also improve your sleep. The study from the University of Pennsylvania reports that poor nutrition can be the reason people have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Researchers concluded that people who reported the healthiest sleep patterns also had the better, most balanced diets.

Additionally, the study revealed that four important nutrients may play a role in regulating sleep. The four nutrients were: vitamin C, lycopene, selenium, and carbohydrates. So, consider adding these vital nutrients to your diet.

Vitamin C is by far the most famous of the group and oranges are the most popular choice for C. If you are not a big citrus fan, strawberries, pineapple, bell peppers, kale, and broccoli are also great sources of vitamin C.

Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant carotenoid found in tomatoes, watermelon, grapefruit, and papayas. Lycopene has the ability to support cardiovascular function, improve prostate health, and regulate cholesterol levels. In addition, clinical studies have indicated that Lycopene can significantly improve overall immune system due to its potent antioxidants.

Selenium is an important mineral and you can obtain it from a variety of food sources. Fish such as tuna, cod and halibut contain high amounts of selenium but you can also get it from turkey, nuts and barley.

Lastly, carbohydrates have the “bad reputation” as many people try to avoid carbs to lose weight. However, carbohydrates are essential for many functions as well as promoting restful sleep. According to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, eating easily digested carbs, such as cereal, rice, potatoes or white bread, four hours before bedtime led people to fall asleep faster.